Slain Gilbert officer 'was larger than life,' mom tells mourners

by Nathan Gonzalez - Feb. 4, 2010 12:00 AMThe Arizona Republic

After heart-wrenching tributes and an expression of rage against the men arrested in his killing, mourners escorted slain Gilbert police Lt. Eric Shuhandler to his final resting place as dispatchers issued his last callout over public-safety radios.

About 1,000 uniformed police and fire officials from throughout the state and region crowded WestWorld in Scottsdale, where Shuhandler's mother, brother-in-law and fellow officers recalled his giving spirit, fun-loving nature and dedication to his 16-year history with the Gilbert Police Department.

"We are so proud to be a part of your family," Shuhandler's mother, Dara, told a sea of uniformed officers, civilians and city and state leaders, including Gov. Jan Brewer and Attorney General Terry Goddard.

"Eric loves you with all his heart," said Dara Shuhandler, her voice cracking in sorrow, as she was flanked by the officer's daughters, Meredith, 12, and Nicole, 10. "All that knew him knew he was larger than life."

She also read English poet W.H. Auden's "Funeral Blues," a poem reflecting deep anguish at the loss of a love one.

Eric Shuhandler was slain during a traffic stop late Jan. 28, when Christopher Redondo, 35, allegedly pulled a gun and shot him in the head near Val Vista Drive and Baseline Road in Gilbert. Redondo and his driver were wounded in a gunfight with police after a 50-mile chase.

While most speakers reminisced about the slain officer's broad sense of humor and devotion to his job, Gilbert police Sgt. Todd Baty voiced anger for the killer and praise for the arresting officers' restraint in delivering the suspects alive.

"I would gladly tell each of you to go to hell, but my authority only goes so far and I can't make that decision," Baty said of Redondo and the accused driver, Daimen A. Irizarry, 30, of Gilbert. "Nevertheless, I feel there will be a day when you actually do hear those words."

Even in death, Shuhandler continued his service to others by opting to become an organ donor, said Larry Mendelsohn, the husband of Shuhandler's only sibling, Joyce.

Throughout the 1 1/2-hour funeral service, relatives and fellow Gilbert police officers spoke of Shuhandler's love of cars, baseball, hanging out and playing harmless practical jokes.

Gilbert Mayor John Lewis recalled how Shuhandler was assigned to "help train a rookie mayor" after he took office last spring and introduced him to the department.

"I learned about his family, came to know his two daughters and he expressed his love for those two daughters," Lewis said, thanking Shuhandler's family "for sharing your son, your dad and your friend."

Before the funeral began, Gilbert Police Chief Tim Dorn said, "The last six days have been difficult days at the Gilbert Police Department."

He said Shuhandler's "senseless and cowardly" killing had victimized both the officer's family and his department.

"Eric was a good man and a loving father," Dorn said. "If anything positive comes from this, it's that people will think of the dangers police officers face."

At Mount Sinai Cemetery in north Phoenix, Dara Shuhandler shook her head in disbelief as her son's flag-draped casket was carried to its final resting place while bagpipes played in the background.

Minutes later, she clutched the then-folded flag; Shuhandler's daughters each received one as well.

Four helicopters flew overhead before the final dispatch call was sounded over police and fire radios throughout the Valley.

"Lincoln two, Lincoln two. Last call for Lieutenant Shuhandler, last call for Lieutenant Shuhandler. Rest in peace, sir. We've got it from here."